Tag Archives: lean ground meat

I know, another Italian recipe…I can’t help it I LOVE Italian food, it’s just so comforting! Plus these meatballs are healthier and are bursting with FLAVOR! They are perfect on a bed of spaghetti or even on a meatball sub, I’ll take it however I can get ;).

2 Servings of Whole Wheat Spaghetti

1 Pound Lean Ground Meat

1 Pound Turkey Sausage (Sweet or Spicy)

1 Tbs Garlic Powder

1 Tbs Onion Powder

1 Tbs Smoked Paprika

1/2 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1 1/2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 Tbs Salt

1/2 Tbs Pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In the meantime mix the rest of the ingredients for the meatballs in a large mixing bowl. I believe the key to a perfect meatball is to marry two different kids of meat together along with the perfect blend of seasoning (it’s a match made in FLAVOR heaven!) I love to adjust the seasoning, so use more or less of what you like. The turkey sausage I use comes in a casing, so I just slice it open and remove it from the casing, very easy! Now it’s time to roll them into balls. I like to make them bite size, but you can make them as little or BIG as you want :).

Next brown the meatballs in two batches in a large skillet with a few drizzles of oil. In the meantime, heat up the sauce in a dutch oven or large pot over low heat. (Try my homemade tomato sauce recipe also listed on my blog 😉 ) Once the meatballs are browned place them in the warm sauce, it’s a meatball hot tub! Cover and let cook for about 15 minutes until cooked all the way through. This will make them so moist and delicious…my mouth is already watering!

Now they are ready to serve on a nice bed of spaghetti, how delicious does that look! It goes perfectly with a nice glass of wine…ahh now that’s comforting!

Pass the bread and pour the wine, it’s a perfect night for a warm and comforting Italian dinner. One of my favorite pastas is rigatoni, I love how the sauce fills the middle of each piece, it’s like a saucy pocket surprise. 😉 What a great change from the tired boring spaghetti dish, let’s shake it up and add some delicious FLAVORS!

2 Servings of Rigatoni Pasta

1 Pound Lean Ground Meat

3 or 4 Cups Tomato Sauce

1/2 Cup Part Skim Ricotta Cheese

1/4 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 Tbs Garlic Powder

1/2 Tbs Onion Powder

1/2 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1/4 Tbs Salt

1/4 Tbs Pepper

Preheat the oven to 365°. Boil the pasta according to the box instructions. In the meantime brown the meat in a skillet with all of the seasoning. I love the smell of the seasoning as soon as it hits the hot pan, it really wakes up all those FLAVORS (it also wakes up my doggies as they stroll into the kitchen…I guess no one can resist 😉 ).

Once the pasta and meat are finished, transfer to a casserole dish. Stir in the tomato sauce and mix together. I love how the sauce attaches to the ridges of each pasta piece. Now it’s time to add in the ricotta cheese, dollop spoonfuls an inch or so apart all over the top. Adjust the amount by preference, I love a lot of that cheesy goodness! Top with mozzarella cheese and cook for about 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Let cool and garnish with parmesan cheese or fresh parsley. How elegant and delicious does that look, and it was so easy! Plus if it doesn’t all get eaten…yay leftovers!!! I know, I get too excited…it’s the small things 😉